Alfa Romeo got off to a good start under the new regulations, with Valtteri Bottas coming home in P6 at the opening race of the season in Bahrain.
The team have dropped off in performance in the second half of the season, with the Finn’s tenth place finish in Mexico bring a run of scoreless finishes to an end.
The 33-year-old has spoken about the team’s performance in a recent interview, saying that he is really enjoying the challenge of Alfa Romeo, and the security that goes with his new role.
“There is now much less pressure from outside,” said Bottas, referring to how much the spotlight was on him during his five year spell with Mercedes.
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“I can concentrate fully on my work. I have this security for the first time in my career. It’s a very good feeling to know that next year you will also benefit from the work you put it.”
“At the beginning of the season we were close to Red Bull and Ferrari, the chances of a podium were much greater than now.
“Mercedes has caught up, Alpine and McLaren have also become much stronger. We have been working on the car for next year for a long time and hope to be more competitive again.”
The Finnish driver has been linked to Audi in recent weeks, with some suggesting that when the car manufacturer complete their takeover of Sauber to join the grid in 2026, it would be a smart idea to keep Bottas at the team as they transition from Alfa Romeo and Sauber.
“Certainly, this is still a long way off,” said Bottas when asked about the links.
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“I’m 33 years old, but if you look at Fernando’s [Alonso] age, I don’t really see any reason why I shouldn’t still be there. I am open to everything.”
Bottas is tied down to a multi year contract however this is set to expire before Audi enter F1, so it remains to be seen what approach they will take with their driver lineup, with some suggesting that Mick Schumacher would be the favourite if they choose to go for a German driver.
Currently four points clear of Aston Martin in the constructors’ championship, Alfa Romeo will be hoping to finish the year strong and make sixth place their own in the standings, before pushing for the ‘best of the rest’ title next year.